The Team
Carrie A Peters
Founder, Fixer, CEO
I have done this work exclusively for over 20 years. First in the excellent legal firm of Hinman & Carmichael, then Farella Braun + Martel, and finally on Maiden Lane at Haas & Najarian. I realized several years ago that I could bring this quality of service to restaurateurs and bar owners without bogging them down with the excesses of working with a law firm. So in 2012, ABC License Company was born, and I am thrilled to know and assist so many inspiring culinary businesses in the great state of California.
I was born in Southern California and grew up in the agricultural oasis of the Sacramento River Delta. Summers during my college years were spent working in my grandmother Josephine’s Los Angeles Italian restaurant, Barone’s. She was a glamorous and formidable woman, and she taught me the value of paying for great service and going for what you want. With this experience, combined with my youth spent in farm country, I could not help but be passionate about food—every aspect of it.
This industry is in my blood.
Before joining Carrie, I studied at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where I met the first love of my life, a vintage Vandercook letterpress. The long-lost art of type-setting and mixing ink has taught me both patience and discipline to focus on the details that are crucial in preparing precise applications on behalf of our clients. Sometimes, being a fanatic about the details isn't such a bad thing.
I was born in Curitiba, Paraná in the south of Brazil. Curitiba is a city that reminds me so much of San Francisco, and maybe that's part of why I felt immediately connected to the Bay Area. A few years ago, I settled with my husband in Oakland—strategically located in the heart of our clientele—where a rich blend of cultural diversity and delectable cuisine are staples of our community.
Hospitality is my new art.
Paola Horevicz Hurtado
VP of Operations, Licensing Specialist
Vanessa Graves
As the deemed "witty conversationalist" of the office, I don’t mince words—who has time for that? We pound the pavement here, as we rush to the offices of regulatory bodies and back, while conducting residential surveys for our clients. In a past life, I dined on the intoxicating energy only found in New York City, and now I gladly pay forward my fast-paced step so that I can help Carrie and Paola beat your critical deadlines. I live in the space between discipline and organization, two critical components that assist in pushing your application process.
Thanks to my Nicaraguan mother and my Syrian father who was raised in Chile, I grew up speaking Spanish and being my father's habibti, as he would affectionately express in Arabic. My parents ignited the burning ember within me of warm hospitality and guided me to define my educated palate by sharing a magnificent world of flavor. Food can truly be synonymous with Love when it’s prepared by the ones we care about most. Some like it spicy, I like it hot!
Licensing Specialist, Conversation Connoisseur
Pleased to meet you! Before joining Carrie’s Angels, my role in pharmacy required a strong attention to detail, as even the smallest mistake could have devastating consequences. I thrive in situations that require problem solving, adaptability, and a revolving platter of diverse, new experiences.
Which brings me to this amazing team at ABC License Company and to all of you. I feel privileged to navigate the flurry of ABC paperwork for our clients while they achieve their ambitions. Because, oh my goodness, running a restaurant is quite an accomplishment. You are courage personified in Roosevelt’s speech, “The Man in the Arena.”
If efficient organization is the entrée that I enjoy, spontaneity is the flavor that I relish! This is my new prescription for distilling the complexities of ABC licenses into an enjoyable, palatable concoction for our clients.
Nidia Hueck
Licensing Specialist, Spontaneity Sommelier
I spent my early childhood summers around the dining room table learning to wrap egg rolls. My grandma taught me to wait for bubbles to gather around the bamboo chopsticks before gently sliding the egg rolls into the wok of hot oil. This way, the egg rolls come out crispy, not greasy. I was never patient enough to wait for them to cool before sneaking a bite behind my grandma’s back.
Today, I’m still chasing the perfect combination of taste and texture that will transport me to an exotic locale, yet miraculously still feel like home. I’m excited to be part of ABC License Company where I can use my experience as a counselor and advocate to help make your dream a reality and plot my next gustatory adventure.
Amy Dang
Licensing Specialist, Unpretentious Foodie
Former Deputy Division Chief of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control... Yes, that means what you think it means. I spent over 26 years working for ABC—moving from investigator to supervisor, to district administrator, and finally to head of ABC for Northern California. I have extensive expertise in licensing and regulations; and have forged invaluable partnerships with the very agencies on which your license approval often hinges, including the SF Board of Sups and major police departments throughout the state.
I’m excited to bring my expertise to ABC License Company, where my insights on the inner-workings of ABC will help make our clients’ paths smoother.
Justin Gebb
Former Deputy Division Chief, Dept of ABC
Celine Hurtado
Office Pup
I [used to be] the only four-legged member of the office and you could say I've become the unofficial company mascot.
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You might wonder where I get all my cuteness, and the answer is this: my dad is a Husky and my mom is Pitbull. Feel free to call me Celine, the Pitsky. I've got traits from both sides ( see my ears? ) and if you come meet me you'll notice the energy of a Husky and the friendliness of a Pitbull.
My human mom likes to bring me into the office, so on most days, that's where you'll find me. Just an added treat for when you come sign all those ABC forms.
Ripley Peters
I'm Ripley! I hail from Bakersfield CA where I fell on some hard times with my brother and sister and ended up in a doggy shelter. Apparently we were in some kind of danger—not sure what—but Rocket Dog Rescue folks came and took us, helped us with our ringworm ( yuck! ) and somehow I found my way to Carrie. She said it was because of someone named Lucy—not sure what that means.
Anyhoo, I am a Red Siberian Husky and people love my eyes. I will be more on the food-sampling end of business here at ABC License Company. My favorite beverage is water and I like to crunch on ice—that is my cocktail. I will try not to jump on you when I meet you, but I am a "people-pup"...
Office Pup in Training